Jeff Lawler: Its a European sort of wine cellar, with amber lighting.
Were considered one of the most romantic restaurants in Chicago.
Throughout our dinner, Jeff would come by and check on us and chat.
But I pretended the hug was for me.
The founder of the restaurant, John Davis, didnt marry until he was 55.
Darla:Nothing happened right away, becausewe were both in relationships.
But a year later, we were both free, and Nancy found out Id been intrigued by Jeff.
She called him and got the ball rolling.
I thought he meant in Chicago but no, he flew to Columbus.
The meal lasted five hours.
I barely got him back to the airport in time for his flight home.
Jeff:Im a romantic guy.
And I knew Darla was a special lady.
Darla:So, I sold my house and we moved that June.
He made me wait for the proposal, though.
Jeff:I kept telling her I wasnt ready.
I secretly removed the diamonds and replaced them with cubic zirconia while I had a ring designed.
That December we planned a family dinner at the restaurant on a night it was closed.
Darla:I was, like, What is going on with you?
Hes, like, Im fine.
Jeff:Then I went to one knee.
Darla:Of course I said yes.
Jeff:They say youll know when you know, and thats how it was for me.
Maybe it seems like there were some delays, but for me it was perfect timing.
As told to Bridgette Redman
Jeff Lawler, 59, and Darla Lawler, 55, married in 2018.
Together they own and operate Gejas Cafe in Chicagos Lincoln Park neighborhood.
Bridgette Redman is a contributing writer who covers visual and performing arts, and travel.
She has written forThe Chicago Reader,theLos Angeles Downtown News, andEncore Monthly.
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